Cork crowned Munster minor camogie champions after battle with Limerick

Cork 2-9 Limerick 0-14 

Cork retained their Munster minor camogie title by the narrowest of margins over Limerick in a hard-fought battle at the excellent Templeglantine venue.

After a close opening half where the sides traded score for score, the holders were up 0-9 to 0-8. Despite only managing two scores in the second half, they survived thanks to the green flags raised by Leah Hannigan, who didn’t start due to injury, and a long-range Lexi Manley free that ended up in the net.

Credit to Cork as they held out under tremendous Limerick pressure.

Manley and Caitlin Ryan had two points apiece before Limerick went three clear thanks to scores from Hazel Horgan, Anna Rose Benson and Ryan. Cork pegged them back with Lauren O’Connor and Manley on target, and twice the sides were level again before Manley's free on the stroke of half-time edged Cork in front.

Limerick got the second half off to a flying start with three points in a row, Aoibhinn O'Connor with one to go with two Ryan frees. With the Limerick defence mopping up any Cork attack, there was no way through a defence where Sophie O'Riordan and Tara Hynes were in control.

Cork introduced Hannigan on 44 minutes and with her first touch of the ball she had it in the backed the net after a superb move involving Clara Murphy and Manley, who combined before offloading.

Limerick applied huge pressure on the Cork defence as they battled for an equaliser. With captain Millie Lombard and Ava Ashman leading the way, the Cork defence held firm. Limerick hit four wides in a row as they maintained the pressure.

As the clock wound down, Cork won a free on the halfway line. Lexi Manley’s effort hit a defender's hurley and dropped to the net to put Cork four clear with four minutes of injury time remaining.

Limerick pressed hard and three points without reply, two from O’Connor and one from Mia Smith, ensured a nervous finish but Cork hung on to take the title.

Manley, who contributed 1-6 of their tally, was named Player of the Match.

Scorers for Cork: L Manley 1-6 (1-4 f, 0-1 45), L Hannigan 1-0, C Murphy 0-2, L O'Connor 0-1.

Limerick: C Ryan 0-6 (0-4 f, 0-1 45), A O’ Connor 0-4 (0-1 f), M Smith 0-2, AR Benson, H Horgan 0-1 each.

CORK: A Collins (Sarsfields); S Donoghue (Blarney), A Cashman (Killeagh), T O'Neill (Fr O'Neills); C Ryan (Newtownshandrum), C O'Donnell (Sliabh Rua), M Lombard (Ballinhassig, c); C Foley (Courcey Rovers), C Hayes (St Catherine’s); L O'Connor (Killeagh), L Manley (Aghabullogue), C Murphy (Éire Óg); L Meillouin (Inniscarra), C Harte (Barryroe), O Troy (Newtownshandrum).

Subs: E Duff (Aghbullogue) for L O'Connor (inj 33), L Hannigan (Ballincollig) for Troy (44). 

LIMERICK: E Doherty; T Hynes (c), O Barrett, A Buckley; S O'Riordan, A Morrissey, C Long; AR Benson, C Ryan; I O'Brien, A O'Sullivan Hunt, M Smith; R O'Grady, H Horgan, A O'Connor.

Subs: S Maher for A Buckley (h-t), A Foley for R O'Grady (48).

Referee: Aaron Hogg (Clare).